Digger rollover, Ongarue and heart attack, Te Poi

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched Ongarue Forest, near Taumarunui, to the scene of a heavy vehicle rollover. A man sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury when the digger he was working with, rolled over and down a hill. The man had to be carried approximately 250m down an extremely steep hill to the waiting helicopter. He was transported to Waikato Hospital for treatment. The Helicopter was dispatched due to the remote location involved.

While in the hospital following up on the previous patient, the Helicopter was once again called out, to Te Poi, to the home of a woman in her 40’s, who suffered a heart attack. Accompanied by her son, the woman was transported to Waikato Hospital for cardiac care. In this case, the helicopter presented the most timely mode of transport in a time-critical situation.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Waikato King Country’s principal sponsor, Westpac. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website rescue.org.nz

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